France v Fiji: France will be eager to make a mark on both their opponents and the critics when they launch their World Cup campaign against Fiji today.
"It makes sense to regard New Zealand and England as the favourites," coach Bernard Laporte said. "But don't forget that Australia are the world champions and that France defeated all the major nations over the last three years and that we have beaten England twice out of our last four games. A World Cup is a different game."
The French are highly favoured to register their seventh win in as many games against a Fijian side they destroyed 70-10, their biggest margin in a Test, the last time they met in November 2001 in Saint-Etienne.
But the French haven't forgotten they were pushed right to the edge by Fiji during their last group game of the 1999 World Cup, only coming through 28-19 thanks to a last-minute try by winger Christophe Dominici.
"People say we are unpredictable but I think Fijians are even more unpredictable," said Dominici, who will be on the left wing for the pool B encounter at Brisbane's Lang Park Stadium.
France have decided to take no chances by fielding their strongest available team and were delighted to welcome back New Zealand-born centre Tony Marsh who underwent chemotherapy this year for testicular cancer. He will play his first international in 16 months.
Also back will be captain and scrumhalf Fabien Galthie, who will play in his fourth World Cup and who led France to their victory over the All Blacks in the 1999 semi-final At Twickenham.
"Fabien has often been the difference between winning and losing for us and his injury played a major part in our defeat to England and Ireland this season," Laporte said.
As the French prepare to field six of the forwards who helped them win the 2002 Six Nations, Fiji coach Mc McCalion admitted the power of the French pack would be difficult to match.
"We would like to think we can win some good ball for our very, very talented back line. And we have got pace to burn, inside and outside, so if we deliver some ball, hopefully we can see some exciting football and some tries scored," he said.
While the Fijians will rely on giant lock Ifereimi Rawaqa, the main threat for France could come through Auckland Blues' Rupeni Caucaunibuca, who is regarded as the fastest winger in Southern Hemisphere rugby.
FRANCE: N Brusque; A Rougerie, T Marsh, Y Jauzion, C Dominici; F Michalak, F Galthie (captain); I Harinordoquy, O Magne, S Betsen, J Thion, F Pelous, J Poux, R Ibanez, J Crenca. Replacements: Y Bru, O Milloud, O Brouzet, C Labit, G Merceron, D Traille, P Elhorga.
FIJI: N Ligairi; V Delasau, A Tuilevu, S Rabeni, R Caucaunibuca; N Little, M Rauluni; A Doviverata (captain), K Salawa, S Koyamaibole, A Naevo, I Rawaqa, J Veitayaki, G Smith, R Nyholt. Replacements: B Gadolo, N Seru, K Leawere, V Maimuri, S Rabaka, W Serevi, M Vunibaka.
